First, the five reasons Gabbert won't succeed...
5. Under quarterbacks coach Steve Logan and offensive coordinator Geep Chryst, Colin Kaepernick clearly regressed. Can those two mold Blaine Gabbert into a ... more

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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4. The main criticism of Gabbert was an inability to step up in the pocket, make a throw and take a hit. That is a chief reason Colin Kaepernick is now going to wear a baseball cap rather than a helmet this Sunday. less

4. The main criticism of Gabbert was an inability to step up in the pocket, make a throw and take a hit. That is a chief reason Colin Kaepernick is now going to wear a baseball cap rather than a helmet this ... more

Photo: Joe Mahoney / Associated Press

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3. Gabbert made significant strides from one preseason to the next with the 49ers. But we are talking about preseason, which can have little relevance to the regular season. Just ask Jarryd Hayne.

3. Gabbert made significant strides from one preseason to the next with the 49ers. But we are talking about preseason, which can have little relevance to the regular season. Just ask Jarryd Hayne.

Photo: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images

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2. When Gabbert was in Jacksonville, his offensive line was porous, the running game was uncertain, and the coaching staff was highly criticized. Sound familiar?

2. When Gabbert was in Jacksonville, his offensive line was porous, the running game was uncertain, and the coaching staff was highly criticized. Sound familiar?

Photo: DON WRIGHT / Associated Press

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1. He steps into a similar situation where he flailed in Jacksonville, when his completion percentage hovered just over 50 percent and his passer rating dipped below 70.

1. He steps into a similar situation where he flailed in Jacksonville, when his completion percentage hovered just over 50 percent and his passer rating dipped below 70.

Photo: Scott Cunningham / Getty

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Five reasons he might be successful...
5. Gabbert might be more talented than Kaepernick. Picked as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, the 6-4, 235-pounder just turned 26, can run, and exhibited a strong, accurate arm at the University of Missouri. less

Five reasons he might be successful...
5. Gabbert might be more talented than Kaepernick. Picked as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, the 6-4, 235-pounder just turned 26, can run, and exhibited a ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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4. Gabbert might be able to see the open receivers that Colin Kaepernick could not. For example, Torrey Smith is right when he says he's open, and that was particularly true against Seattle's Richard Sherman. less

4. Gabbert might be able to see the open receivers that Colin Kaepernick could not. For example, Torrey Smith is right when he says he's open, and that was particularly true against Seattle's Richard ... more

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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3. Also after the bye week, the team will likely have a full complement of receivers with hopefully a healthy Anquan Boldin (hamstring), and a non-rusty Jerome Simpson.

3. Also after the bye week, the team will likely have a full complement of receivers with hopefully a healthy Anquan Boldin (hamstring), and a non-rusty Jerome Simpson.

Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

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2. Believe it or not, the offensive line could solidify after the bye week (Nov. 15). Center Daniel Kilgore could return by then, and right guard Andrew Tiller might take over right guard full time. Those two changes could give Gabbert the confidence to step up in the pocket. less

2. Believe it or not, the offensive line could solidify after the bye week (Nov. 15). Center Daniel Kilgore could return by then, and right guard Andrew Tiller might take over right guard full time. Those two ... more

Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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1. His improvement from one training camp to the next was astounding. Gabbert looked utterly lost a summer ago. But this summer he was accurate and courageous in the pocket both in preseason games and training camp practices. less

1. His improvement from one training camp to the next was astounding. Gabbert looked utterly lost a summer ago. But this summer he was accurate and courageous in the pocket both in preseason games and training ... more

Photo: Nick Wass / Associated Press

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Five reasons Blaine Gabbert will (and will not) succeed as 49ers QB

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As Blaine Gabbert assumes the starting role for an organization steeped in historic quarterbacking, here are five reasons why Gabbert will succeed and five reasons why he won’t.